To be honest, the only thought that crossed my mind when I first heard those words was: What on earth are you planning…?
It wasn't exactly reassuring—it was more unnerving.
"Sister, what method are you planning to use?"
"Oh, nothing much. I'll just make sure everyone's eyes are on me, and all the men are too busy chasing after me."
"…Sister. I have no doubt that you are the most beautiful woman in this country, but—"
"Hmm!"
Natalie scoffed in delight, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"You think I've been welcomed at countless parties just because of this natural beauty? Well, you wouldn't know, would you? While I was attending parties, you were holed up in your room reading books."
"I'm sorry…"
"No need to apologize. It's just a shame you've never had the chance to witness me at a party."
"I'll try to leave late so I can watch you as long as possible!"
"Never mind that. Instead, I'll ask you just one question in exchange for helping you. Answer honestly."
"Ah, yes!"
"Where are you going, and why?"
I expected this question.
The fact that it wasn't just one question was another matter.
After a brief hesitation, I dismissed the maids and opened my mouth.
It's better to tell the truth than risk getting caught in a lie.
"Do you know the Sacred Salon?"
"Oh, that gambling den?"
A perfect summary.
"Yes… It's not exactly a place of high repute, but still—"
"No need to justify yourself. Have you ever seen me make excuses for my personality? You should be just as unapologetic."
"Y-Yes!"
That wasn't exactly comforting, but it gave me the confidence to explain. I told her about how my talent for reading books helped me predict social scandals (which wasn't a lie), how I'd been invited after accurately predicting an incident, and how my goal was to gather information from the salon. I also mentioned that while I fully intended to marry His Highness, I wanted a backup plan—just in case—to find a suitable man through Madame Abigail.
After hearing my story, my sister frowned.
"You really believe a woman who doesn't even show her face can control the social world? Even the king couldn't pull off something like that."
"I believe it's possible. I think power in the shadows, through anonymity, can be more influential than individual authority. Sometimes a tavern braggart's rumor can shake a nation more effectively than a royal decree."
"…I was about to call you naïve, but that's an interesting point."
Natalie thought for a moment before speaking again.
"Fine. I suppose I'm in no position to tell you what to do, but I will say I'm glad you're not deluded enough to believe, 'I'm devoted only to His Highness!' nonsense."
"This is purely a contingency plan! I do want to marry His Highness!"
"Fine, do as you please. I'll neither support nor oppose your relationship with him…Unless you truly fall in love with him, that is."
Love?
The word alone was enough to make me feel nauseous.
I'll probably grow fond of him eventually after we're married! But how could I love someone who only has his looks to boast about?
…Okay, he is tall. And, judging by the silhouette beneath his shirt, he does have a decent amount of muscle.
And he doesn't just sit idly by; he's actually investigated his estate.
Plus, he buys me food… And from good places, too…
But still!
"His… His personality isn't great! He even said my looks don't measure up to his. It's hard to fall completely in love with someone like that."
"…Oh my. He said your face doesn't measure up to his?"
Uh-oh.
Natalie's lips curled upward, but it wasn't a smile—it was more like the predatory grin of a leopard ready to pounce on its prey.
"Why are you angry? You criticize my looks and sense of style all the time!"
"You're my sister! That guy is just your fiancé!"
"What's the difference?"
"It's obvious! If you'd ever asked me, 'How can I look prettier?' I would've told you how. What he did was just plain mean!"
"Well, what you did was essentially the same thing! And I'm not even the type to care about stuff like that… Wait."
Hold on.
"…Were you secretly hoping I'd ask you something like that?"
"Ha! As if I'd ever—"
At first, Natalie looked at me like I'd said something ridiculous. But as she trailed off, she suddenly seemed deep in thought.
The conclusion to her pondering was obvious—her face began to flush red. She must've just realized a truth about herself she hadn't known until now…
…I think I'm finally starting to understand what kind of sisters Natalie and Dory are.
'They probably didn't dislike each other from the start.'
Maybe the right way to put it is like this: a goat kid that loves sprouts and a leopard cub that loves meat, trying to feed each other tasty treats but slowly missing the mark.
Even as I gained this new understanding, Natalie couldn't finish her sentence.
She fumbled through her words, her face as red as a beet.
"T-this is…! Never mind! Anyway, I just need to buy time starting around seven, right? I'm off now—to go check the dance list for tonight! If Mother chooses only outdated songs, it'll be a disaster!"
"W-wait, Sister! I have something to ask you!"
"What is it? If you're going to ask about fashion tips, I swear I'll dress you in something truly ridiculous!"
"Do you have a wish?"
"…What?"
Natalie paused, her hand still on the doorknob. I quickly added before she could escape.
"If I marry His Highness, there'd be no point in using the wish I'd win at the salon, right? So, I was thinking of using it for you."
"My, my, our clever little Dory is creative even when she's being foolish. Wishes are endless temptations, so just use it as you see fit. Don't regret playing the selfless act later."
"You're too soft on me as a sister! If your little sister offers to give something up, you should jump at the chance before I change my mind."
"Hah! Look at you, trying to outdo me with words now. I'm heading downstairs."
"I'm serious! Just think of one wish, just in case!"
Natalie didn't reply and left the room. I thought I heard her let out a soft scoff as she disappeared.
Sigh…
"Did I go overboard with the whole wish thing?"
But honestly, Natalie, I don't want to see you face a bad ending anymore…I really mean it.
Now that I've realized how I feel, the emotions keep surging.
Even though you're selfish, inconsiderate, and always ignore my words (I told you I don't care about the young duke! Stop trying to set us up!), and you only do what you want!
To me, you're less of a "villainess" and more of a "wildly self-centered, ill-tempered sister."
"I don't exactly like Natalie. But I don't want to see her destroyed, either."
In the original story, Natalie ruins her family's honor trying to steal Arthur away. Her father's solution? Banish her to a convent.
Though Natalie doesn't seem like she'd torment Maria like in the original story…
"The count wouldn't care. He'd toss her aside without hesitation if she couldn't secure a good marriage."
Sister, I just don't want you to be unhappy.
As a first step, I want to know what you truly desire.
As the sun set, the atmosphere of the upcoming banquet became more palpable.
"Smells like they're roasting chicken."
That savory scent of chicken dripping with fat as it turns golden-brown… On another side, the aroma of butter suggested they were cooling freshly baked pound cakes.
While I was distracted by the kitchen smells, Natalie stood on the second floor, leisurely looking down at the hall.
"Mother must have been very meticulous with the guest list. If you drop a wine glass here, there's a 75% chance it'll hit an eldest son."
"What's so great about that… Oh, no, yes. That's impressive."
Eldest sons, meaning they come with titles and estates, right? Not K-style ancestor worship.
"If you find someone whose looks suit your taste, let me know. I'll prepare them so you can devour them."
"I'm not devouring anyone!"
"Natalie, what are you feeding Dory?"
Someone suddenly stepped between us. It was the countess.
"What are you preparing? Are you already discussing which animals to present as prizes for the hunting tournament?"
Natalie evaded smoothly.
"Well, something like that. If my sister doesn't win anything, I thought I'd catch something for her myself."
"Such grand dreams! Remember, ladies like you are only allowed to receive what is brought to you."
"Like proposals and dances?"
"Why ask something so obvious, Natalie?"
"Mother, don't I look beautiful today?"
At the out-of-the-blue question, the countess frowned slightly, but her expression quickly softened as Natalie spun around on the spot.
"…You're absolutely stunning."
I agreed.
The beige silk dress, flowing like soft waves, was adorned with gold embroidery that accentuated her regal figure. Her bright red hair was elegantly tied into a low bun, emphasizing her striking features. She looked every bit like a queen.
Mother stared at her, mesmerized, before snapping back to reality and turning to me.
And just like that, her rationality returned.
Damn it. Seeing Natalie first and then looking at me, of course, I'd look like a squid!
As I braced for the inevitable comparison, my savior arrived.
From the entrance, the butler announced: "Lord Arthur Albion of Frosthill has arrived!"
Seven o'clock already.
As Mother deliberated whether to scold me or greet the most eligible bachelor, Natalie moved first. She turned to us with a confident smile.
"Mother, shall I show you what it looks like when the young duke can't take his eyes off me tonight?"